Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, is not the only Stamford Bridge regular who has been dissatisfied with the low level of entertainment under José Mourinho’s pragmatic management. The club reduced prices for the Champions League group stage match against Rosenborg on Tuesday, but clearly not by enough to compensate for a lack of thrills on the pitch.

Only 24,973 turned up to watch the 1-1 draw against the Norwegian champions, leaving about 17,000 seats empty. The dreariness of the football on offer in the goalless draw at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday may have persuaded many against a second trip down the Fulham Road in four days, but the prices, although reduced, were still considered too high — even for the competition that represents the pinnacle of club football.

Adult general-sale tickets for the game against Rosenborg were reduced to £41 in all areas, while Barclays Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge range from £45 to £65. Club members could enjoy a further reduction to £36 and the same price structure will apply for the next European tie, against Schalke 04 on Wednesday, October 24, but Chelsea need to reduce further the cost of admission, according to supporters’ groups.

“Chelsea must lower ticket prices as there are always so many seats available,” Alex Jones, the chairman of the Shrewsbury and Mid-Wales branch of the Chelsea Supporters Group, said yesterday. “It has an effect on the crowd and it does have an effect on the team as the players can hear the fans moaning. And there just isn’t enough attractive football on show at the Bridge.”

Expert View

If Jose Mourinho’s football had been as dramatic and exciting as the manner of his departure, he would still be manager of Chelsea this morning

Martin Samuel

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Arsenal’s match against Seville last night was a sell-out, with no reduction in ticket prices, and the club expect to sell out again for their remaining group games. Manchester United, like Arsenal, include admission to cup-ties in season-ticket prices.